What You Need to Know Before You Renew
Colorado sends renewal notices 30 to 60 days before your registration expires. The notice arrives by mail and shows your current registration number, expiration date, and the fee amount. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office — all three routes take the same documents and cost the same amount.
Your registration renewal fee depends on your vehicle's age, weight, and whether you own it outright or have a loan. The state calculates this when you register, and the amount stays the same each renewal cycle unless your vehicle's taxable status changes. You do not need to renew your plates unless they are damaged, lost, or you want a specialty plate design.
If your registration has already expired, you can still renew without penalty as long as you do not drive the vehicle on public roads until the new registration is active. Driving on an expired registration can result in a traffic citation.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado sends renewal notices by mail 30 to 60 days before expiration, and the notice includes the exact fee you owe.
- You can renew online through the Colorado DMV website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at any DMV office.
- Online renewal is the fastest option and takes 5 to 10 minutes; mail renewal takes 1 to 2 weeks; in-person renewal is when ready.
- You need your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and proof of vehicle inspection (if required for your vehicle type) — no title or ownership documents are needed for renewal.
- Your registration fee is based on vehicle weight and age and does not change between renewal cycles unless your vehicle's status changes.
Renewing Online Through the Colorado DMV Website
Online renewal is available at dmv.colorado.gov and is the fastest method. You will need your renewal notice, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Log into the Colorado DMV online services portal or create an account if you do not have one. Enter your renewal notice number and VIN to pull up your renewal record. Review the vehicle information, insurance details, and fee amount. If any information is incorrect, you can update it during renewal. Pay the fee and submit. You will receive a confirmation email when ready, and your new registration is active right away — you can print the confirmation and carry it with your vehicle until the physical registration arrives by mail, which takes 5 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your vehicle requires a safety inspection, if you have unpaid parking tickets or other holds on your account, or if your insurance information needs to be verified by the state. If any of these explore, you will see a message during the online process directing you to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by Mail Using Your Renewal Notice
Mail renewal uses the renewal notice the state sent you. Sign the back of the notice, enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Include a copy of your current proof of insurance. Do not send cash.
Mail your renewal notice at least two weeks before expiration to allow time for processing and delivery. The Colorado DMV processes mail renewals in the order received, and processing takes 1 to 2 weeks after they receive your envelope. Your new registration will arrive by mail 5 to 10 business days after processing is complete. If you are cutting it close to the expiration date, in-person renewal is a safer choice.
Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your renewal notice was lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate by calling the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 or visiting dmv.colorado.gov.
Renewing in Person at a Colorado DMV Office
Walk-in renewal at any Colorado DMV office is when ready — you pay, your registration is processed, and you leave with a temporary registration document valid for 30 days while your permanent registration is mailed to you. No appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and early afternoons.
Bring your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. If your vehicle requires a safety inspection, bring proof of inspection as well. Pay the renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The staff will verify your information, process the payment, and issue your temporary registration on the spot.
Find your nearest DMV office and hours at dmv.colorado.gov. Some smaller county offices have limited hours or may be closed certain days, so check before you go. If you cannot reach an office during regular hours, some locations offer extended evening or Saturday hours — the website shows which ones.
Documents and Proof of Insurance You Will Need
For any renewal method, you need your renewal notice and proof of current auto insurance. The proof of insurance must show your name, the vehicle VIN, the policy number, and the expiration date. An insurance card, a letter from your insurance company, or a digital copy on your phone all work. The insurance must be active on the date you renew — if your policy lapses between renewal and the date you submit, your renewal will be rejected.
If your vehicle is financed, your lienholder's name appears on your registration. You do not need to provide lienholder consent to renew — the state already has that information on file. If your vehicle requires a safety inspection (typically vehicles over 8 years old in some counties, or any vehicle if you are renewing after a lapse), bring proof of inspection. You do not need your title, ownership documents, or vehicle keys.
If you are renewing for someone else with power of attorney, bring the power of attorney document along with the renewal notice and insurance proof. Some DMV offices require the document to be notarized; call ahead to confirm what your local office requires.
When Your Vehicle Requires a Safety Inspection
Colorado does not require statewide vehicle safety inspections for renewal. However, some counties have local inspection requirements, and vehicles with certain emissions histories or violations may be flagged for inspection. Your renewal notice will state whether an inspection is required for your vehicle.
If an inspection is required, you must complete it before you can renew. Take your vehicle to any Colorado-approved inspection station — your insurance company, local mechanic, or a dedicated inspection facility can perform it. The inspection checks brakes, lights, windshield, wipers, and emissions (in some cases). The cost varies but is typically $20 to $50. Once passed, you receive an inspection certificate or sticker. Bring this proof to your renewal appointment or include a copy with your mail renewal.
If your vehicle fails inspection, you have time to repair it and retest. The inspection certificate is valid for 30 days, so schedule repairs quickly if you need them. You cannot renew your registration until the inspection passes.
What Happens If Your Registration Expires
Driving on an expired registration is a traffic violation in Colorado. If you are stopped, you can receive a citation and fine. However, you can renew an expired registration at any time — there is no grace period, but there is also no penalty fee for renewing late. The new registration is valid for one year from the expiration date of the old one, not from the date you renew.
If your registration has been expired for more than a year, you may need to complete a vehicle inspection or provide updated proof of insurance before the state will process your renewal. Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to confirm what documents you need. Do not drive the vehicle on public roads until your renewal is complete and active.
If you sold your vehicle and did not renew, you do not owe anything. If you still own the vehicle and want to keep it registered but are not driving it, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my insurance has a lapse between now and when I renew?
No. Your insurance must be active and current on the date you submit your renewal. If your policy expires before you renew, the state will reject your process. Renew before your insurance lapses, or wait until your new policy is active to submit your renewal.
Do I have to renew my license plates when I renew my registration?
No. Your plates stay valid as long as your registration is current. You only need new plates if they are damaged, lost, stolen, or if you want to switch to a specialty plate design. If you need new plates, you can order them when you renew your registration, but it is not required.
What if I move to a different county in Colorado before my registration expires?
You do not need to update your registration when ready. Renew as normal when your notice arrives. If you want to update your address before renewal, you can do so online at dmv.colorado.gov or by calling 303-205-5600. Your renewal notice will be mailed to your new address.
How long does it take to get my new registration after I renew online?
Your registration is active when ready after you pay online. You will receive a confirmation email with a temporary registration you can print and carry. Your physical registration card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. You do not need to wait for the card to drive legally — the online confirmation is proof of active registration.
Can I renew my registration if I have unpaid parking tickets?
No. The Colorado DMV will not process a renewal if there are outstanding parking tickets or other holds on your account. Pay any outstanding tickets first, then renew. You can check for holds by calling 303-205-5600 or visiting dmv.colorado.gov.